The Lancashire Wildlife Trust (LWT) has launched a project to reintroduce lost species, including the large heath butterfly, bog bush cricket, and white-faced darter dragonfly, once common across Lancashire and Greater Manchester’s peat bogs.
These insects depend on lowland peatlands, 96% of which have been lost due to human activity. LWT has been restoring habitats by rebuilding water systems and replanting specialist vegetation and is now appealing for £20,000 to complete the project.
“These insects play vital roles in the ecosystem,” the trust said. The butterfly pollinates plants, the cricket helps break down plant matter and feeds birds, and the dragonfly controls populations of smaller invertebrates.
Senior nature recovery officer Dr Matt McMullen said the species would struggle to recover naturally. “We’re giving them the helping hand they need, but we can’t do it without public support,” he added.
